U.S. patent number 9,446,904 [Application Number 13/940,032] was granted by the patent office on 2016-09-20 for interchangeable insert for an auger.
This patent grant is currently assigned to FREEOSK, INC.. The grantee listed for this patent is Scott Alan Albright, Robert Kevin Blake, Tony Lee Koenigsknecht, Albert John Kohn, Jonathan Charles Shoemaker. Invention is credited to Scott Alan Albright, Robert Kevin Blake, Tony Lee Koenigsknecht, Albert John Kohn, Jonathan Charles Shoemaker.
United States Patent |
9,446,904 |
Koenigsknecht , et
al. |
September 20, 2016 |
Interchangeable insert for an auger
Abstract
An interchangeable flighting insert is disclosed to maximize the
efficiency of singularly delivering objects, such as products, to a
user through a product dispensation device. The flighting insert
can be removably coupled to an auger of the product dispensation
device, thereby allowing variation of the flighting characteristics
based on the object to be dispensed. The same auger can therefore
use a first flighting for certain products, and a second flighting
for different products.
Inventors: |
Koenigsknecht; Tony Lee
(Chicago, IL), Kohn; Albert John (Bridgman, MI),
Albright; Scott Alan (Buchanan, MI), Blake; Robert Kevin
(Three Oaks, MI), Shoemaker; Jonathan Charles (Coloma,
MI) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Koenigsknecht; Tony Lee
Kohn; Albert John
Albright; Scott Alan
Blake; Robert Kevin
Shoemaker; Jonathan Charles |
Chicago
Bridgman
Buchanan
Three Oaks
Coloma |
IL
MI
MI
MI
MI |
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
FREEOSK, INC. (Chicago,
IL)
|
Family
ID: |
49715928 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/940,032 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2013 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20130331979 A1 |
Dec 12, 2013 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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13100595 |
May 4, 2011 |
|
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61331183 |
May 4, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65G
33/04 (20130101); G07F 11/02 (20130101); G07F
9/10 (20130101); G07F 11/44 (20130101); B65B
1/12 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G07F
11/00 (20060101); B65G 33/04 (20060101); G07F
11/02 (20060101); G07F 11/44 (20060101); G07F
9/10 (20060101); B65B 1/12 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;221/222,237,265
;700/232,243 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Collins; Michael K
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/100,595, filed May 4, 2011, which claims
priority to provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/331,183,
filed May 4, 2010, the contents of which are herein incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An auger to dispense objects in a singular manner, the auger
comprising: a barrel portion including: a first open end receiving
the objects at a first extreme end of the auger and an opposing
second open end disposed at a second extreme end of the auger
distal from the first extreme end; an internal surface disposed on
an interior of the barrel portion; and an external surface disposed
on an exterior of the barrel portion opposite the interior of the
barrel portion; fixed fighting disposed on the internal surface
from the first open end to the second open end; a flighting insert
removably coupled to the fixed fighting and extending radially
inward from the flighting, the flighting insert having a shape
different from the fixed fighting; and a memory storing information
identifying an insert selection corresponding to the object.
2. The auger of claim 1, wherein the fighting insert includes an
insert cross-sectional shape and the flighting includes a fighting
cross-sectional shape, and wherein the insert-cross-sectional shape
is different from the fixed flighting cross-sectional shape.
3. The auger of claim 2, wherein the insert cross-sectional shape
includes an insert downstream face shape different from a fixed
fighting downstream face shape of the fixed fighting.
4. The auger of claim 3 wherein the insert downstream face shape
includes an insert curvature different from a fighting curvature of
the fixed flighting.
5. The auger of claim 1, wherein the fighting insert includes an
insert height extending radially inward within the auger, and the
fixed fighting includes a fixed fighting height extending radially
inward within the auger, and wherein the insert height is different
than the fixed flighting height.
6. The auger of claim 1, wherein the insert includes a ledge
adapted to extend along a fixed flighting downstream face.
7. The auger of claim 1, further comprising a motherboard wherein
the motherboard communicates with a display to provide an
instruction to couple the insert selection to the auger.
8. The auger of claim 1, wherein the memory stores information
identifying a position of the insert selection relative to the
fixed flighting.
9. The auger of claim 1, wherein the flighting insert includes
magnets in substantial alignment to couple with corresponding
magnets disposed on the fixed fighting.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an interchangeable
insert, and more particularly, to an interchangeable flighting for
an auger or inverted auger.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A popular marketing technique is to provide free product samples to
potential customers to entice the customers to buy the sampled
product. The free sample can be provided to the customer by an
employee of, for example, a grocery store during regular working
hours while the customer is otherwise shopping for other products.
The store employee can then sell the customer the product by
pointing the customer to the area of the store where that product
is sold, typically close to where the free sample is provided. This
marketing tool is especially popular for products that have only
recently entered the market or where potential customers are not
likely to have sampled the product through conventional means.
Single product dispensation can also be dispensed through automated
means, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/100,595.
For example, a product dispensation device can dispense a single
product when a user scans a barcode, instructs the dispensation
device through a smart phone application, or through any other
manner of identification.
Automated product dispensation devices strive to deliver one
product at a time. To accomplish this, the dispensation devices
operate at parameters to achieve maximum efficiency to ensure that
only one product, from a plurality of products, is dispensed. For
example, the device may include rotating augers with flighting that
is shaped and sized to deliver a specific product seriatim, based
on that product's shape, size, and/or weight. However, typically
flighting dimensions are normalized for all products, regardless of
size, shape or weight. For example, using auger flighting that is
optimized for a larger product may cause more than one product to
be delivered when smaller products are used with the same
flighting. Therefore, there exists a need to change the flighting
of an auger for a product dispensation device that is optimized for
delivery of a specific product.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present application discloses an interchangeable flighting
insert adapted to be removably coupled to an auger device adapted
to singularly dispense objects, such as products. Different inserts
can vary flighting characteristics such as the cross-sectional
profile, length, height, material, weight, frictional coefficient,
and color of the flighting. The insert can couple to an inside of
an auger by, for example, magnets, to provide an easily removable
component that aids in more efficient delivery of objects.
In particular, the present application discloses an auger adapted
for dispensing objects in a singular manner, the auger including a
first open end adapted to receive the objects and an opposing
second open end adapted to singularly dispense the objects, and an
inner surface having a flighting insert disposed thereon from the
first open end to the second open end, wherein the flighting insert
is removably coupled to the inner surface.
Also disclosed is an auger adapted for dispensing objects in a
singular manner, the auger including a first open end adapted to
receive the objects and an opposing second open end adapted to
singularly dispense the objects, an inner surface having fixed
flighting disposed thereon from the first open end to the second
open end, and a flighting insert removably coupled to the fixed
flighting and extending radially inward from the fixed flighting,
the flighting insert having a shape or profile different than the
fixed flighting.
Further disclosed is a product dispensing device including a base,
a frame disposed within an interior of the base, a hopper including
an opening allowing an object to be dispensed therethrough, the
hopper being accessible within an exterior of the base, and at
least one auger having first and second open ends and being coupled
to the frame and rotatable thereon, the first open end of the at
least one auger being structured to receive the object dispensed
through the opening of the hopper, wherein the at least one auger
includes a barrel portion having an inner surface, fixed flighting
extending at least partially between the first and second open ends
of the at least one auger, the fixed flighting being one of
integral with and attached to the barrel portion, a flighting
insert removably coupled to at least one of the fixed flighting and
the inner surface, and magnets disposed on at least one of the
fixed flighting and the inner surface and adapted to removably
couple to the flighting insert.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject
matter sought to be protected, there is illustrated in the
accompanying drawing embodiments thereof, from an inspection of
which, when considered in connection with the following
description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its
construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be
readily understood and appreciated.
FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a product dispensing
device.
FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate a delivery system implemented within the
product dispensing device shown in FIG. 1.
FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate an inverted auger according to an embodiment
of the present application.
FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate an electronic console of the product
dispensing device shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 illustrates a hood allowing access to a hopper of the
product dispensing device shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 illustrates a horizontal auger embodiment of the present
application.
FIG. 7 illustrates an interchangeable flighting insert coupled to
an auger in accordance with an embodiment of the present
application.
FIG. 8 illustrates an interchangeable flighting insert in
accordance with an embodiment of the present application.
FIG. 9 illustrates a sectional view of an exemplar interchangeable
flighting insert coupled to an auger in accordance with an
embodiment of the present application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention with
the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered
as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to embodiments
illustrated.
The present application discloses an auger having one or more
interchangeable flighting inserts adapted to deliver a single
object to a user through a product dispensation device. The product
dispensation device can include one or more augers with flighting
that increases the efficiency of delivery. Different inserts are
described that vary flighting characteristics by coupling a
removable insert to, for example, fixed flighting. The same auger
can therefore use a first flighting insert, having a particular
profile, material, frictional coefficient and/or shape, for some
products, but also use a second flighting insert, having a
different profile, material, frictional coefficient, and/or shape
compared to the first flighting, for different products.
The disclosed interchangeable flighting insert can be implemented
within any device, for example, a product dispensation device
including multiple inverted augers. The multiple auger device is
adapted to improve efficiency of singular dispensation of objects
by combining the individual efficiency of each auger. During
experimentation, it was discovered that a first auger distributes
products at 70% efficiency (i.e., 70% of the test runs distributed
one product, while 30% of the test runs distributed multiple
products, which is undesirable). Also, a second auger singularly
distributed objects at 80% efficiency. However, when used together
with the second auger following the first auger, the two augers
achieved more than 90% efficiency of singularly dispensing objects
due to the combined individual efficiency of the two augers.
Although two augers are used in this system, a primary bulk auger
could be used in series with another singulation/dispensing device.
Additionally, more than two augers may be used to further improve
efficiency in the case of smaller products or products that are
more susceptible to decreased efficiency.
As shown in FIG. 1, a product dispensing device 100 is provided and
includes a base 105 and a hopper 110 disposed at the top of the
base 105. A touch-screen display 115, or other display, may be
included above a scanner 120 capable of scanning a device carried
by a user, for example, a magnetic, bar code, RFID card or
smartphone. Below the scanner 120 is provided a dispensation area
125 where objects, such as desired products, are delivered
singularly when the dispensing process is complete. For holding a
plurality of products that can be purchased, a shelf 130 is
provided on the side of the base 105. To allow access to the
internal components of the product dispensing device 100, a portion
of the front of the base 105 may be coupled to the base, such as
with hinges, and latched on the side with latches 135. In addition,
an access point 140 can be provided adjacent or within the hopper
110 to allow for wireless or wired communication between the
product dispensing device 100 and an external computer system.
The base 105 acts as the structural backbone of the product
dispensing device 100 and can be made of any material, for example,
metal, plastic, wood, or any other substance that allows for
structural stability. In an embodiment, the base 105 is made of a
powder-coated steel. As discussed above, the base 105 includes
shelves 130 for holding products, and includes several openings for
the user to scan a device, such as a card (below the scanner 120),
for the user to obtain the product dispensed (in the dispensation
area 125), and an opening for a touch-screen display 115, such as a
touch-screen display that is adapted to interact with the
users.
The hopper 110 is coupled to the base 105, and as described below
with respect to FIG. 5, includes a hinged portion and a support
portion. Products can be loaded into the product dispensing device
100 by placing a plurality of products, such as in bulk form,
inside an opening of the hopper 110 which communicates with
internal features of the device 100 to singularly distribute the
product to a consumer. The hopper 110 can be opened by the hinged
portion and products can be distributed into the opening for future
dispensation. Various ribs or deflector plates can also be provided
inside the hopper 110 to control the flow of products from the
hopper into the remainder of the product dispensing device 100.
Adjacent or inside the hopper 110 is the access point 140 which is
operably coupled to an external computer adapted to control the
device 100. The access point 140 may include a transceiver capable
of communicating through wired and/or wireless communications, for
example, a telephone or Internet connection, a DSL connection, a
cable connection, a 3G, 4G or other cellular communication method,
a 802.11 wireless connection, or any other form of electronic
communication.
The access point 140 can communicate with an external computer to
send the external computer data from the product dispensing device
100. For example, the access point 140 can transmit to the external
computer data relating to the amount of product remaining in the
product dispensing device 100, the number of scans on a particular
day, what identification devices were scanned on a particular day,
individual purchasing behavior of relevant consumers, or any other
type of data that may be deemed useful. In addition, the external
computer can communicate with the access point 140 to deliver
information to the product dispensing device 100. For example, the
external computer can communicate software updates to the product
dispensing device 100 via the access point 140, or can communicate
new instructions to the product dispensing device 100 that change
the video or image displayed on the display 115. A service
technician can also update the video or image displayed on the
display 115 by scanning a "Program Changeover Instructional" card
(or other identifying indicia) in the scanner 120 to effectively
change the marketing material on the display 115 with the simple
scan of a card.
The display 115 can visually depict video or images relating to the
product that is dispensed from the product dispensing device 100,
and can further display information for the user. For example, the
display 115 can provide an advertisement for the product being
dispensed and can include the instructions "Scan Card Now" or "Push
Here for Instructions on How to Obtain a Card." By way of example,
the display 115 can include a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic
light-emitting diode (OLED) display, plasma screen, cathode ray
tube display, or any other kind of black and white or color display
that will allow the user to view and interpret information on the
product dispensing device 100 and may further include touch-screen
capabilities.
The scanner 120 can be any electrical, optical, RFID or
electromagnetic device that can read a card or other sort of
identification means. For example, the scanner 120 can be a bar
code scanner, a magnetic card reader, a fingerprint reader, a
magnetic strip reader, a smart card reader, RFID reader, an optical
reader, or any other form of apparatus that allows identification
to be verified. In an embodiment, the scanner 120 is a barcode
scanner that reflects light off of a barcode through an opening in
the base 105 on to the user's card. Alternatively, the scanner 120
can transmit light off of a mirror or set of mirrors and on to the
barcode. The barcode can be located on a card, smart phone, or any
other device. The light from the scanner 120 can either be
constantly transmitted to the area at which the user scans a card,
or can be activated once a sensor is tripped to notify the sensor
that a card is present.
As discussed herein, the user can scan a card with an
identification number to dispense a product from the product
dispensing device 100, or can otherwise command the product
dispensing device 100 to dispense a product. In an embodiment, the
user scans a barcode on a card to command the product dispensing
device 100 to dispense the product. However, the card can be any
form of electrical, optical or electromagnetic device capable of
being scanned by the scanner 120. Further, the card need not be a
free sample card, but can be a credit card, debit card, or other
form of device capable of transmitting money, points, or other
currency derivative to the product dispensing system 100. A user
can also verify their identity without a card, for example, by
scanning a fingerprint or other biometric identifier, by using a
mobile phone or other portable electronic device to send a text
message or other electronic signal, by transmitting identifying
data via a Bluetooth connection, by user input to the display 115,
or any other activation method.
The dispensation area 125 can be disposed below the scanner 120 and
can be the end point of products dispensed through the product
dispensing device 100. When products are delivered to the
dispensation area 125, a light may flash to alert the user that the
product has arrived. Alternatively, the display 115 or a sound can
alert the user that their product is in the dispensation area 125,
or such alerts can be provided by emitting a sound.
One or more shelves 130 can be provided on the base 105 to hold
products thereon. As shown, the shelves 130 are provided on the
side and the bottom of the base 105. However, the product
dispensing device 100 need not have any shelves 130, or such
shelves 130 can be provided independent of the product dispensing
device 100 (for example, on standard shelving at grocery stores) to
allow for a smaller footprint of the product dispensing device
100.
The delivery system 200 will now be discussed with reference to
FIGS. 2A-2D. As shown, the delivery system 200 includes an elbow
205, a bulk auger 210, a dispensing chute 215 and a delivery auger
220 disposed on a frame 225. To facilitate movement of the augers
210, 220, one or more motors 230 can be provided that are adapted
to engage with the augers 210, 220 in order to rotate the augers
210, 220. Of course, the motors 230 need not engage with their
respective augers 210, 220 at the same time. Further, one or more
sensors 233a-e can be provided on the delivery system 200 to
determine the location of products within the product dispensing
device 100. Agitators 235 can also be provided to shake the various
components of the delivery system 200 and dislodge products that
have coagulated together or are otherwise lodged in place.
The elbow 205 can be shaped as a quarter circle scoop and can
receive from the hopper 110 the products that are to be dispensed
through the product dispensing device 100. As shown, the elbow 205
is in the closed position. However, the elbow 205 can be hinged to
the frame 225 or any other part of the product dispensing device
100, and can rotate away from the bulk auger 210 to allow a
serviceman to purge the elbow 205 and/or retrieve the contents of
the bulk auger 210. To hold the elbow 205 closed, a flexible cord
(e.g., a bungee cord) can be attached to the frame 225 and to the
cord attachment 240. Other means of securing the elbow 205 in a
closed position can also be used, such as, for example, latches,
locks, magnets, and the like. A serviceman can thus easily undo the
cord from the frame 225 and purge the elbow 205.
After a product is dispensed through the elbow 205, the product can
enter the bulk auger 210. As used throughout this application, the
term "auger" means an inverted auger that includes an outer barrel
and internal spiral flighting extending at least partially from one
open end of the barrel to the other open end of the barrel. The
inverted auger of the present application allows an internal wall
of the outer barrel to rotate which, in turn, rotates the flighting
inside the barrel. The flighting can be either integral with or
removably coupled to the outer barrel.
The inverted auger design is advantageous to that of conventional
augers. Conventional augers include a fixed barrel that does not
rotate. Rather, in a conventional auger, contents are transported
using a spiral flighting that rotates within the fixed barrel. The
conventional fixed barrel design produces several pinch points
between the flighting and the barrel that can damage the product
being dispensed. In contrast, the auger of the present application
rotates the barrel together with the spiral flighting, creating
fewer pinch points and reducing the risk of product damage.
As shown in FIG. 3A-3C, the augers 210, 220 include a main body
305, lower body 310 and a ridge 315 on the outer surface of the
auger 210, 220. Further, a worm gear 320 can be provided on the
auger 210, 220 for engaging the motor 230. The auger 210, 220 can
be a single injection-molded device or can be fastened together by
two or more components. On the inside of the auger 210, 220, fixed
flighting 325 is provided with an extending portion 330 that can be
located on at least one of the ends of the fixed flighting 325.
Mechanical activation of the augers 210, 220 can be by other
mechanical means including an axial gear drive, a friction wheel
(i.e. rubber wheel on the outer surface of the auger), belt drive
or any other appropriate means.
As shown, the main body 305 is displaced from the lower body 310 by
way of a ridge 315. The ridge 315 allows for the auger 210, 220 to
fit within the frame 225 and rotate therein. The auger 210, 220
also includes two open ends with the fixed flighting 325 extending
from one open end to the other open end and facilitating movement
of individual products from one of the open ends to the other. For
example, a product loaded into the hopper 110 can be transferred to
the elbow 205, and can thereafter pass into a first open end of the
bulk auger 210. The bulk auger 210 can transfer the product to the
second open end of the bulk auger 210 and into the dispensing chute
215 by rotating the auger 210 together with the integral or
removably coupled fixed flighting 325.
As best shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C, the fixed flighting 325 can
include the extending portion 330 on at least one end thereof to
abut products as they enter the auger 210, 220 or to separate two
of the products so that only one of the products is delivered in a
singular fashion. The extending portion 330 can be any shape or
size that allows for gripping and separation of products. As shown,
the extending portion 330 extends at an angle from the fixed
flighting 325, i.e., at an angle parallel to the first and second
open ends of the auger 210, 220.
As discussed above, the tapered nature of the fixed flighting 325
can contribute to the efficiency of the delivery system 200,
together with the friction, rotating speed, angle of inclination,
and rotating amount of the auger 210, 220. For example, the fixed
flighting 325 can have a flighting height that decreases from the
inlet opening to the outlet opening of the auger 210, 220. In an
embodiment, the flighting height is two inches at the inlet of the
auger 210, 220 and is one-half inch at the outlet of the auger 210,
220. These dimensions represent flighting heights that are
adaptable to a variety of products dispensed through the delivery
system 200, and different heights can be implemented for different
sized or shaped products.
The tapered nature of the fixed flighting 325, in combination with
the inclination of the auger 210, 220, tends to allow only one
product to travel on the flighting 325 nearest the outlet of the
auger 210, 220. When multiple products are moved from the inlet to
the outlet of the auger 210, 220, the decreasing width of the fixed
flighting 325 causes only one sample to be "gripped" and the others
to flow towards the inlet of the auger 210 based on gravity.
As shown in FIG. 2B, the bulk auger 210 and delivery auger 220 are
inclined at an angle relative to the ground plane. The angle of the
augers 210, 220 delivers the separated products one-by-one rather
than dispensing more than one product at once. To achieve maximum
efficiency (i.e., to dispense only one product at a time), the
optimal friction, rotating speed, and angle(s) of the augers 210,
220 have been determined. The preferred inclined angle for the
augers 210, 220 is approximately 0-30.degree., and more preferably
20.degree., relative to the ground plane, for most products. The
fixed flighting 325 is also designed for optimal efficiency by its
tapered nature. The angle of the fixed flighting 325 surfaces can
be adjusted to better grip a product and dispense it to the
customer. Further, the fixed flighting 325 can extend a particular
length to better grip the product.
A tongue 245 can be attached to either one of the bulk auger 210 or
the delivery auger 220 and can rotate within either the elbow 205
or the dispensing chute 215, respectively, to disengage products
that may have coagulated with one another or that are otherwise
lodged within the delivery system 200. As shown in FIG. 2C, the
tongue 245 is attached to the bulk auger 210 and can rotate with
the bulk auger 210 to move along or "scrape" or otherwise abut the
surface of the elbow 205 and dislodge the products therein. The
tongue 245 can also "grip" a product to allow for easier singular
dispensation of a product.
After a product is transferred through the bulk auger 210, the
product enters into the dispensing chute 215. As shown in FIG. 2D,
a channel 250 can be provided to facilitate entry of a product into
the dispensing chute 215 in a serial manner without requiring a
serviceman to individually load the product. The channel 250 may be
a V-shaped piece of sheet metal or funnel-like structure that
directs the product in one area of the dispensing chute 215.
As shown, the dispensing chute 215 is provided at its first open
end below an exit path of the bulk auger 210, and communicates at
its second open end with the entrance opening of the delivery auger
220. Products can therefore be delivered from the bulk auger 210
into the dispensing chute 215 and then to the delivery auger
220.
Similar to the bulk auger 210, the delivery auger 220 rotates and
by way of the spiral flighting 325 provided in the delivery auger
220, can dispense the product out of the second open end of the
delivery auger 220 and into the dispensation area 125. As shown in
FIG. 3A, the bulk auger 210 and the delivery auger 220 can include
substantially similar structure and configuration. However, it is
understood that the bulk auger 210 and the delivery auger 220 can
be made of different structures without departing from the spirit
and scope of the present invention. For example, as discussed
above, it is preferred that the bulk auger 210 and the delivery
auger 220 are inclined at an angle of approximately 20.degree. to
the ground plane. However, the augers 210, 220 may be disposed at
different angles from the ground plane. In addition, the augers
210, 220 can rotate simultaneously by way of the motors 230, or can
rotate at different timing or speeds to one another. Other
properties of the auger (material, friction, rotation speed,
flighting properties, and others) can also be varied without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. For
example, as discussed below, interchangeable flighting inserts can
be coupled within the augers 210, 220 to account for the different
sizes, shapes and/or weights of products intended to be singularly
dispensed from the delivery system 200.
The motor 230 facilitates movement of the auger 210 by engaging
with a worm gear 320 provided on the outer circumference of the
auger 210, 220. As shown, the motor 230 is a worm motor, but any
type of electrical or mechanical motor may be provided within the
spirit and scope of the present application. Further, magnetic
actuation may be provided to rotate the auger 210, 220 at a
preferred speed, acceleration and timing.
The sensor 233a-e can be an optical sensor that senses whether
objects, such as products, are present in the hopper 110, the elbow
205, the dispensing chute 215 or either of the augers 210, 220. For
example, a sensor 233a-e can be provided above the delivery auger
220 to sense objects within the delivery auger 220. However,
sensors 233a-e can be provided within or outside of the different
components of the delivery system 200 to sense objects within the
hopper 110, the elbow 205, the bulk auger 210, the dispensing chute
215, or the delivery auger 220, or any combination of the
above.
The sensors 233a-e can actuate various agitators 235 to dislodge
products that have been lodged in the system or have coagulated
with one another. For example, the agitator can be an off-balanced
or eccentric weight that is connected to a motor, and the motor is
adapted to vibrate the weight in order to agitate the products
therein. The agitator can be activated by either manual actuation
(e.g., by way of the touch-screen display 215) or automatically if
one or more of the sensors 233a-e detect that products are not
being dispensed properly.
The sensors 233a-e can be located inside the delivery system 200
component itself, or can be positioned outside of the component but
in a position to sense objects within the component. For example,
the sensor 233a-e can be connected to the elbow 205 but sense
objects within the delivery auger 220. However, the sensor 233a-e
could be located directly within the delivery auger 220 to sense
objects therein. Other sensor combinations can be implemented to
determine the location of product(s) or the functionality of the
delivery system 200 without departing from the spirit and scope of
the present application.
The sensors 233a-e can be connected to one another such that the
precise location of products within the delivery system 200, if any
are present, can be determined. For example, a first sensor 233a
can be provided to sense objects in the hopper 110, a second sensor
233b can be provided in the elbow 205, a third sensor (not shown)
can be provided at an inlet opening of the bulk auger 210, and a
fourth sensor (not shown) can be provided in the outlet opening of
the bulk auger 210. Additional sensors 233c-e can be provided in
other areas of the delivery system 200. Also, a similar sensor
233a-e configuration can be provided in the dispensing chute 215
and delivery auger 220. If the second sensor 233b in the elbow 205
does not sense a product but the first sensor 233a senses that
objects are present in the hopper 110, the delivery system 200 will
determine that products are lodged in the hopper 110 and will
actuate an agitator in the hopper 110 to dislodge the products.
Similarly, if the third sensor fails to sense any product in the
bulk auger 210 but the second sensor 233b senses products in the
elbow 110, the delivery system 200 can actuate the agitator 235 in
the elbow 110 and dislodge products in the elbow.
Within the bulk auger 210, if products are sensed at the inlet
opening but not at the outlet opening, the tongue 245 can be
actuated to dislodge products that are within the bulk auger 210.
If all of the sensors 233a-e fail to detect any product, the
delivery system 200 will determine that no products are available
to be dispensed and will issue an "Out of Product" notice to the
consumer and/or the service technician. Of course, the above
example was applied to only the hopper 110, elbow 205, and bulk
auger 210, but the present application is not so limited. The
general concept of communicating information from downstream
sensors 233a-e to upstream agitators can be implemented in any way
and in combination with any component of the present
application.
Another application of the sensors 233a-e is to save power used by
the augers 210, 220 and to avoid over-rotation of the augers 210,
220. For example, when a product is dispensed through the delivery
system 200, the bulk auger 210 can rotate until the product is
sensed by a sensor 233c located in or around the dispensing chute
215. Once the product is sensed in the dispensing chute 215, the
delivery system 200 knows that the product has exited the bulk
auger 210 and thus stops rotation of the bulk auger 210. The same
principle can be applied to the delivery auger 220 as
well--rotating the delivery auger 220 until a product is sensed at
either the outlet opening of the delivery auger 220 or downstream
in the product dispensation area 125. Other combinations of the
above can be implemented within the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
As shown, the delivery system 200 includes two augers--a bulk auger
210 and a delivery auger 220. However, the present application is
not limited to a two-auger system, and can include one, two, three,
or more augers. For example, a single auger can be implemented and
can include substantially the same structure as the bulk auger 210
or the delivery auger 220. The single auger can include a barrel
portion and internal flighting that is either integral with or
attached to the internal wall of the barrel portion. Alternately,
as discussed below, one or more of the augers can include one or
more interchangeable flighting inserts that are removably coupled
to the auger or the existing fixed flighting 325. In other words,
the interchangeable flighting inserts can change the profile,
shape, cross section, size, and/or frictional coefficient of the
flighting by either replacing the fixed flighting 325 or being
inserted on top of the fixed flighting 325. Each of the above
structures rotates as a whole--with both the barrel and flighting
rotating together--to reduce pinch points and avoid substantial
damage to the product as compared to the conventional fixed barrel
and rotating flighting design.
The single auger system can distribute products more efficiently by
manipulating the properties of the products themselves. For
example, the size, weight, shape, volume, or friction of the
products can be altered to improve the efficiency of distribution
through the single auger or multiple auger system. The single auger
system can also be implemented in combination with another
singulation device that dispenses objects in a singular fashion or
that divides bulk-loaded objects into single samples, for example,
a dividing barrier or ramp.
As shown, the delivery system 200 includes multiple augers 210, 220
with the bulk auger 210 directly above the delivery auger 220.
However, as shown in FIG. 6, another type of delivery system 600
can include augers 610, 620 disposed horizontal to one another and
communicating with one another via a deflector plate 630. Products
can thus be dispensed into the hopper 110 and eventually be
transmitted to the bulk auger 610. The bulk auger 610 can then
rotate and transfer the product, by way of the transfer ramp 630,
into the delivery auger 620. The delivery auger 620 thereafter
rotates and dispenses the product into the product dispensation
area 125. The horizontal auger embodiment is advantageous for
spacing purposes where a more vertical design is not plausible,
e.g. in a low ceiling area.
FIGS. 4A and 4B discloses an electric console 400 in accordance
with an embodiment of the present application. As shown, the
electric console 400 includes a bracket 405 that acts as a backbone
for the contents of the electric console 400. A wireless router
410, power source 415, motherboard 420 and a mounting plate 425 can
be attached to the bracket 405. Attached to the mounting plate 425
are one or more switches 430, a fuse 435 and a functionality
indicator 440.
The power source 415 can deliver power to the electrical components
of the product dispensing device 100, for example, the display 115
and the scanner 120. In addition, the power source 415 can supply
power to the delivery system 200 or the delivery system 200 can
include its own power source and electric console. In an
embodiment, the power source 415 is connected to a standard wall
socket or surge protector to provide electrical power to the
product dispensing device 100.
The power source 415 can also include a battery that is operative
to power the product dispensing device 100 when the motherboard 420
determines that the product dispensing device 100 is not being
adequately powered by the standard wall socket connection.
Optionally, when the power source 415 switches from a standard wall
socket connection to a battery connection, the access point 140 may
contact an external computer and notify the necessary personnel
that the product dispensing device 100 is operating on temporary
power.
The motherboard 420 provides the controlling backbone of the
product dispensing device 100 and includes computer components
necessary for the product dispensing device 100 to function. For
example, the motherboard 420 can include a memory and a processor
for transmitting video or images to the display 115, data relating
to the number of times a user has swiped their card, data relating
to the maximum number of user accesses that are permitted, or any
other form of relevant data.
The motherboard 420 can also store the general operating system for
the product dispensing device 100 and can control functionality of
the scanner 120 and delivery system 200. For example, the
motherboard 420 can instruct the delivery system 200 to rotate the
augers 210, 220 at a precise speed or speeds determined based on
the friction and angle of inclination of the augers 210, 220 and
status of the sensors 233a-e. Various algorithms may be stored in
the memory of the motherboard 420 to determine the necessary speed
and timing of rotation for the augers 210, 220, which, as discussed
above, can vary between the augers 210, 220. Alternately, a
separate motherboard 420 may be provided with the delivery system
200 for precise controlling of the delivery system 200.
The motherboard 420 can transmit data stored in its memory to an
outside computer as necessary. For example, when the memory is
almost full, the motherboard 420 can communicate with the access
point 120 and transmit the contents of the memory to an outside
computer. In this manner, the outside computer can store data
relating to the number of accesses for a particular product, the
amount of product remaining, or other operating parameters without
requiring a visit to the product dispensing device 100. The
motherboard 420 can also transmit memory contents to an internal or
external permanent storage when the motherboard 420 determines that
the power source 415 is running on battery power.
The mounting plate 425 can include one or more switches 430 for
actuating electrical components attached to the product dispensing
device 100. In addition, a fuse 435 can be provided for protecting
the product dispensing device 100 against electrical surge, and a
functionality indicator 440 can be provided to indicate whether the
electrical components of the product dispensing device are
operating effectively.
The motherboard 420 can also include a coupon dispensing program to
dispense a product coupon to a user, typically for the product
being dispensed through the product dispensing device 100. For
example, the motherboard 420 can store and execute a coupon
distribution program to dispense coupons to the customer via a
coupon printer (not shown) or wirelessly to the card or other
identifying indicia of the user. The coupon can provide additional
discounts to the user of the device 100 for extra incentive to
purchase the product.
The coupon dispensing program can vary the dispensing process from
consumer to consumer. For example, the coupon distribution program
can identify the buying habits of the consumer as they pertain to
the product being dispensed. Naturally, a consumer who frequently
purchases the product being dispensed would need a smaller
incentive to purchase the product again based on their frequent
buying habits. However, a consumer who has not yet purchased the
product may need an additional incentive. The product dispensing
program can thus identify the user, analyze their buying habits
based on data transmitted to or stored by the motherboard 420, and
can selectively dispense or omit dispensing a product coupon to a
user. Any other method can also be used to control shopper behavior
based on incentivized discounts, in addition or alternatively to
the above.
A hopper 110 in accordance with the present application is shown in
FIG. 5. As shown, the hopper 110 includes a lid 505 and a support
510 attached by way of a hinge. A cylinder 515 is also provided and
is connected to both the lid 505 and support 510 for resisting the
force of gravity when the lid 505 is in the upward position. The
cylinder 515 may also include a locking mechanism (not shown) for
locking the cylinder 515 in place when the lid 505 is in the open
position.
One process of using the product dispensing device 100 will now be
discussed. A user can transmit an identification number to the
product dispensing device 100 by, for example, scanning a bar code
on a card or smart phone. The motherboard 420 of the product
dispensing device 100 will then determine whether the
identification number has already been scanned the maximum number
of times or if the identification number listed on the
identification card can be dispensed a product from the product
dispensing device 100. If the card is eligible to dispense a
product, the motherboard 420 will cause the motors 230 to rotate a
predetermined amount, at a predetermined speed and at a
predetermined time based on the speed and friction of the augers
210, 220 so as to deliver a product from the hopper 110 through the
bulk auger 210, into the dispensing chute 215, and then into the
delivery auger 220.
Again, the motors 230 need not rotate both augers 210, 220 at the
same time, and in a preferred embodiment will rotate the bulk auger
210 prior to rotating the delivery auger 220. This reduces the
amount of electricity that is used when the auger(s) 210, 220 are
rotated but products are located in areas of the delivery system
200 other than the rotating auger(s) 210, 220. Once the delivery
auger 220 rotates a predetermined amount and/or speed, a single
product is dispensed in the dispensation area 125 where the user
can retrieve the product.
If the user scans their card and the motherboard 420 determines
that the card is not eligible for product dispensation, the display
115 will alert the user that the product will not be dispensed and
that the card has been denied. The display 115 may then give the
user instructions for how to obtain a new card, or the reasoning
behind why the card was denied (e.g., the card could not be scanned
because of a functional error).
A method of servicing the delivery system 200 according to the
present application will now be discussed. A serviceman can open
the door of the product dispensing device 100 to access the inside
of the product dispensing device 100 by disengaging the latch 135
as shown in FIG. 1. The serviceman can then release the cord on the
cord attachment 240 and rotate the elbow 205 away from the bulk
auger 210 so as to allow the serviceman to purge any products from
the elbow 205 and bulk auger 210 upon rotating the elbow 205, the
serviceman can also view the contents of the augers 210, 220, and
remove any contents from the augers 210, 220. The serviceman can
then rotate the elbow 205 upward and against the frame 225, and can
reattach the elbow 205 to the frame 225 by way of, for example, a
bungee cord. Following this step, the serviceman can then load the
hopper 110 with a plurality of products by placing the products
loosely into the hopper 110, rather than having to load the hopper
110 one-by-one with products.
Should the serviceman need to change the video or image on the
display 115 (e.g., if the new product is being dispensed by the
product dispensing device), the serviceman can either do so
manually at the site of the product dispensing device 100 or can
transmit electronic instructions to the product dispensing device
100 by way of the access point 140. For example, the service
technician can scan a card to change the video or image on the
display 115, and to otherwise reprogram the product dispensing
device 100 to depict a new product. Alternatively, the motherboard
420 can include predetermined instructions to change the contents
of the display 115 at a predetermined time to facilitate a change
of product being dispensed.
A computer-readable recording medium can be contained within the
motherboard 420 (e.g., as the "memory" discussed above) or within
the external computer, and can store a computer program that
optimizes the efficiency of the dispensing device 100. The
computer-readable recording medium can store any data or computer
programs for use in the dispensing device 100. For example, the
computer-readable recording medium can store a computer program for
optimizing the performance of the dispensing device 100. The
computer-readable recording medium can also store an operating
system for the dispensing device 100 or any other software or data
that may be necessary for the dispensing device 100 to function.
Without limitation, the computer-readable recording medium can
include any non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, such
as a hard drive, DVD, CD, flash drive, volatile or non-volatile
memory, RAM, or any other type of data storage.
FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment interchangeable flighting insert
700 removably coupled to an auger 210, 220 in accordance with an
embodiments of the present application. As shown, the insert 700
includes an upstream face 705, downstream face 710, and extends
from a first end 715 to a second end 720. In an embodiment, the
insert 700 is removably coupled to only the delivery auger 220, but
the insert 700 can be provided within either auger 210, 220.
The interchangeable flighting insert 700 can be chosen to improve
delivery efficiency by providing varying geometry, shape,
frictional coefficient, and/or size to the fixed flighting 325 to
suit a particular product being dispensed from the dispensing
device 100. For example, a larger object may not be impacted by the
fixed flighting 325 or a less conventionally-shaped object may
benefit from a differently shaped flighting. Rather than
manufacturing different augers 210, 220 for each product, and thus
remove the entire auger 210, 220 when changing products to be
dispensed, the insert 700 can be removably coupled to the auger
210, 220 and achieve more efficient delivery. As used herein, the
term "upstream" means the direction from which products enter the
auger 210, 220, and the term "downstream" means the direction from
which products exit the auger 210, 220.
Different inserts 700 can have different properties to account for
the different shapes, sizes, packaging and/or weights of objects
being dispensed from the dispensation device 100. For example, two
different inserts 700 may have different cross-sectional profiles,
lengths (i.e., a dimension extending radially along the interior of
the auger 210, 220), heights (i.e., a dimension extending radially
inward within the auger 210, 220), frictional coefficients, and
materials (e.g., to be more flexible or rigid). For example, the
cross-sectional profiles of inserts 700 can have different
curvatures along the downstream face 710, angles of inclination of
the downstream face 710 relative to the fixed flighting 325, or any
other characteristic that can improve the efficiency of delivering
a product through the product dispensing device 100. Of course, the
above features of the insert 700 can also be different from those
of the fixed flighting 325. It will be appreciated that any
variation of the cross-sectional profiles, lengths, heights,
frictional coefficients, and materials of the inserts 700 can be
used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
application.
As shown in FIG. 8, the insert 700 can include insert coupling
members 725 disposed on a surface of the insert 700. In an
embodiment, the insert coupling members 725 are magnets that
correspondingly couple to magnets disposed along the fixed
flighting 325 to removably couple the insert 700 to the auger 210,
220. However, any other form of coupling members 725 can be
implemented without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present application. For example, the coupling members 725 can be a
single or multiple members, and can include adhesive, Velcro.RTM.,
fasteners such as screws or nails, detent mechanisms, friction
fits, or any other means of removably coupling two objects
together. Also, the insert 700 can couple directly to the auger
210, 220 without coupling to the fixed flighting 325, or can
similarly couple to an auger 210, 220 that does not include fixed
flighting 325.
As shown, the insert 700 can include a ledge 730 that is positioned
along the upstream facing side of the fixed flighting 325 for
additional rigidity. The ledge 730 can be any shape or size, but in
an embodiment, is shaped corresponding to the fixed flighting 325
and extends up to or past the second end 720 of the insert.
FIG. 9 illustrates a sectional view of the insert 700 coupled
within the auger 210, 220 in accordance with an embodiment of the
present application. As shown, the auger 210, 220 can include
cavities 735 with auger coupling members 740 inserted inside.
Similar to the insert coupling members 725, the auger coupling
members 740 can be any object or combination of objects that can
couple with the insert 700. In an embodiment, the auger coupling
members 740 are magnets that correspondingly couple with magnets
disposed in the insert 700.
The scanner 120 can assist the servicing technician to choose the
proper insert 700 for a particular product. For example, the
scanner 120 can be used to scan barcode or receive a signal from a
smart phone that identifies the product to be dispensed. Upon
receiving this information, the motherboard 420 can retrieve
information from the memory that identifies the most efficient
insert 700 selection based on testing or field results of the
particular insert 700 relative to the product being dispensed. For
example, the motherboard 420 may determine that a particular insert
700 is most efficient, or determine that an insert 700 should be
positioned within the auger 210, 220 in a certain manner (e.g.,
positioned so the first insert coupling member 725 is disposed
against the second auger coupling member 740). This information can
be shown on the display 115 for a technician to see to aid in the
servicing process.
The products that are dispensed from the product dispensing system
can generally include free samples, but the present application is
not so limited. For example, the dispensing device 100 can dispense
products that require the user to spend money, for example, money
that is represented by the customer ID on the card that is scanned
by the scanner 120. Further, the products may not be consumer
products, but can be any type of substance or product that is
capable of being transported within the structure of the product
dispensing device 100, for example, toys, gifts, pencils, pens,
tools, or any other suitable object.
The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying
drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a
limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and
described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
changes and modifications may be made without departing from the
broader aspects of applicants' contribution. The actual scope of
the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following
claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior
art.
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